TheAmerican Cancer Society, meanwhile, recommends that women begin screening mammograms at age 45. For women under 40, accessing this important screening tool may be a less-than-straightforward process. The first step for younger women interested in having a mammogram is to establish the reason why. Photo Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health; Getty Images Has a lump in the breast been discovered, or is there another potential abnormality? Have relatives been diagnosed with breast cancer?...

These muscles are all under the control of a group of nerves called your cranial nerves. Several of the cranial nerves are involved with controlling the coordination and movements involved in chewing and swallowing. These centers include areas located in the cerebral cortex, themedulla oblongata, and the cranial nerve nuclei. Guido Mieth / Taxi / Getty Images Information from these areas converges in the swallowing center in the medulla, which is part of the brainstem....

The gut flora supports your immune system, helps metabolism, and affects brain health. The gut flora has many functions and can negatively affect health when it’s out of balance. Maintaining a healthy gut is important to your overall health. jamesbenet / Getty Images What Is Gut Flora? Gut flora refers to the world of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, that populate our intestines. Development Babies are born withintestinesbelieved to be either completely or mostly sterile....

As a result,muscleweakness, spasticity, and a loss of coordination may occur. While muscle weakness can occur anywhere within the body, it’s most noticeable in the limbs. A physical therapist can also recommend assistive devices. Verywell / Emily Roberts It’s important to treat the cause behind your muscle disuse, if possible. As a result of spasticity, the muscles may spasm and/or become rigid and stiffand this can be quitepainful. In addition to rehabilitation therapy, alternative therapies are often used to cope with spasticity....

Of the respondents, 73% said they were satisfied with their sex lives. Among those with spouses or partners, 54% said they were sexually active. Does Intercourse Matter? Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health Among older adults, sex and sexual intercourse aren’t necessarily synonymous. They also regarded partnered sex as more intimate. For females, theemotional intimacyof sex was linked to higher scores. Generally, older adults tend to place a higher priority on intimacy and bonding than on sex itself....

Genital warts are asign of HPV, but only a few types of HPV cause warts. Symptoms May Include Genital Warts Some types of HPV cause warts. These types are not cancerous. Catherine McQueen / Getty Images Pap smears, which test for abnormal cells on thecervix, can point to an HPV infection. Testing for HPV itself may also be done on the cervical swab sample. As a Woman, How Do I Know If I Have HPV?...

Gardasil9is a vaccine (immunization) that protects against humanpapillomavirus(HPV). Gardasil side effects are not common and are usually mild. For example, some people may experience soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. bluecinema / Getty Images Gardasil 9 side effects are not common and are usually mild. Most people who get the HPV vaccine experience no side effects at all. If you have safety concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss them....

A person’s age and immune status may determine how many doses of the vaccine they receive. Age Range for Two Doses A two-dose regimen is recommended for people ages 9 to 14. The first dose must be initiated before a person turns 15 to fall under the two-dose schedule. BURGER / PHANIE / Getty Images Men relied on herd immunity from women being vaccinated against HPV as their primary method of prevention....

Differentiating the two can be important as the treatment approach for each can differ significantly. Beyond the location of the outbreak, the symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 are largely indistinguishable. This can only be done with diagnostic testing. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health One key difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the risk of recurrence. All herpes viruses tend to recur (repeat) after the initial outbreak, often within the first year....

Human bites are often more dangerous than people might think. A human bite is when a person, typically a child, bites another person. Even if a bite wound looks minor, it can lead to serious complications. Benne Ochs/ Getty Images This article will provide an overview of human bites, including types, signs of infection, and treatment. Benne Ochs/ Getty Images Types of Bites Human bites often occur in children and adolescents....

This article provides an overview of human metapneumovirus along with how long it takes to recover. It also lists hMPV symptoms as well as how it is diagnosed and treated. If you do develop symptoms, theyll likely fade in a few days or so. MoMo Productions / Getty Images More serious symptoms can develop, but this is uncommon. For example, people with preexisting lung conditions may have shortness of breath with hMPV....

Symptoms ofhungercan be more than a reminder for our next meal. Lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and medications can cause hunger. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of hunger. Grace Cary / Getty Images Hunger is the sensation of needing food, while appetite is the desire to eat and enjoy foods. Hunger can be an uncomfortable physical sensation. Symptoms of hunger include: Hunger is innate. However, over time, many people may lose their ability to recognize the physical signs of hunger....

Hunger pangs, sometimes called hunger pains, are feelings of hunger that arise when the body craves nutrition. Hunger pangs typically are harmless and go away once you eat. Symptoms include a stomach rumbling and a gnawing sensation in your stomach. Sally Anscombe / Getty Images In some cases, a specialist known as agastroenterologistmay need to perform tests to help diagnose the cause. The sensations may develop gradually, occur abruptly, or persist for a long period....